Page 16 of Scatter the Bones

“About what?” I spread my hands wide. “Say your husband ran off and left you. Just another deadbeat dad. No one should ask. You’ll be far away where no one even knows you.”

She opens her mouth again. Maybe to argue or say thank you. Whatever it is, I don’t let her get out the words.

“Go. Hurry.”

Ruth swallows hard, then holds out her hand for Cain. “Let’s go pack our things.”

Fuck, I’d hoped she was already packed. I can’t shake this sense of urgency. The need to get my sister as far away from this place as possible as soon as I can.

There’s also the issue of the body melting out in the barn I don’t want anyone to find accidentally.

Once they’re gone, I return to the vault, searching for anything that might be important. The items I’m planning to take, I gather into piles on one side. I find another box stuffed with even more cash. Smaller bills this time. I set half aside for Ruth. It won’t make up for snapping at her but it’s all I’ve got.

“Jensen?” Ruth’s soft voice pulls me out of the vault. “We’re ready.”

She pushes the office door open wide. Jezzie and Cain are both with her. Red blurs around the edges of my vision. I wanted Jezzie to stay upstairs. If Ruth thinks she’s taking my sister anywhere she’s out of her fucking?—

“Jensen?” Jezzie breaks away from them and slowly approaches. Her hair’s still damp, hanging in loose, stringy, uneven strands around her shoulders. She’s changed into what’s probably her “church” dress. An ankle-length, shapeless white dress with a brown floral pattern. We’ll have to stop and buy her new clothes along the way.

Where the fuck am I supposed to go shopping for a teenage girl?

“It’s really you?” Jezzie bursts into tears as she wraps her arms around me and squeezes tight. Her whole body shakes with the force of the hug. “He…he said you were dead.” She hiccups a breath. “He told all of us the Lord struck you down for your wickedness.” Her fingers clutch tighter at my back. “I missed you so much. I used to pray every night you were out there and you’d come back for me.”

Those final words almost break me. I’d done the same thing after my brothers disappeared. Tears burn my eyes, and I curl my arms around her. I should’ve come for her sooner. I knew how twisted my father was.

“I’m here.” I swallow hard. “I didn’t know. I thought you were…safe.”

“Ruth said we’re leaving?” She pulls back and stares up at me with hopeful eyes.

“Yes. You’re coming with me.”

She hugs me again. “Praise be.”

Well, at least I won’t have to drag her away kicking and screaming.

Outside an engine roars and gravel crunches under tires.Fuck. Did one of them come back? Or did they go to the cops after all?

Not sure what I’ll be dealing with, I return to the vault and grab a shotgun. It’s already loaded and ready to go.

Ruth frowns but doesn’t seem surprised by the gun. “Who is it?”

“No idea.” I nod to the chair in the corner. “Stay here.”

I hurry through the house, all of my attention focused on the front door.

The engine cuts off. I throw the door open and tighten my grip on the gun, keeping it pointed at the ground.

I recognize the battered blue Ford truck immediately. “What the fuck?” I mutter, hurrying down the steps, gun at my side.

Logan throws his door open and flashes a grim smile. At least it looks grim under that dumb beard he’s started growing since his uncle died.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” Gravel flies in every direction as I hurry to meet him.

He shrugs and adjusts the ballcap he’s wearing. “Your phone keeps going right to voicemail. I was worried about you.”

“It’s in the truck.” I can’t decide if I’m relieved or annoyed that he’s here.

“You all right?” His gaze drops to the gun. “Were you going to shoot me?”

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